Is Wilmington, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Wilmington, VT — Water Quality Report
Wilmington's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,455 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.7 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 200 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wilmington's water
Wilmington ranks #93 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Wilmington relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
The system has seen 145 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wilmington, VT water safe to drink?
Wilmington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,455 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wilmington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wilmington's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, DICHLOROMETHANE, Vinyl chloride.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4720). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: DICHLOROMETHANE, p-Dichlorobenzene, Vinyl chloride.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wilmington's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Wilmington's water system has 200 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 145 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Windham County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Cold River.
Where does Wilmington's water come from?
Wilmington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 5,455 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cold River (river).
What Wilmington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wilmington's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Wilmington's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtWindham County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Windham County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Wilmington's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 3.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.59 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wilmington compares by contaminant
Explore where Wilmington ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wilmington's water comes from
Wilmington's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 5,455 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Wilmington
Wilmington is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wilmington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHIMNEY HILL | VT0005312 | 2,594 | GW |
| WILMINGTON WATER DIST | VT0005310 | 1,400 | SW |
| COLD BROOK FD BASE AREA | VT0005649 | 761 | GW |
| COLD BROOK FIRE DISTRICT 1 | VT0005313 | 700 | GW |
How Wilmington compares
Full Vermont rankings →Wilmington's score of 46/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wilmington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Windham
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilmington, VT tap water safe to drink?
Wilmington's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #93 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Wilmington's water?
Lead was measured at 3.7 ppb (90th percentile). 200 violations are on record.
How is Wilmington's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Wilmington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wilmington's water come from?
Wilmington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 5,455 residents.
What health violations has Wilmington's water system had?
Wilmington has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wilmington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wilmington uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 200 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Wilmington's water compare to other cities?
Wilmington ranks #93 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 11% of state cities) and #13949 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.